Tearful Ons Jabeur retires from Wimbledon match due to breathing difficulties
Having been in clear distress, she managed to play on in scorching temperatures before withdrawing while trailing 7-6 (5) 2-0 to Bulgarian world number 111 Tomova.
Viktoriya Tomova led 7-6 (5) 2-0 (John Walton/PA)
Jabeur, who was beaten in the 2022 and 2023 finals at SW19, has plummeted to 59 in the rankings amid ongoing fitness setbacks.
A shoulder issue led to a premature end to her 2024 season and, just three months into her return, she hobbled off court in tears at this year's Miami Open after suffering a leg strain.
Tournament organisers later confirmed the Tunisian had experienced breathing issues.
'I wasn't expecting not to feel good, I've been practising pretty well the last few days but I guess these things happen and I'm pretty sad,' said Jabeur.
Heartbreak for Ons Jabeur 💔
The two-time Wimbledon finalist was in tears as she retired from her first round match against Viktoriya Tomova 😭#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/FTattwErHn
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 30, 2025
'It doesn't really help me with my confidence. I keep pushing myself, even though it was a very tough season for me, so I hope I can feel better and see what's going to happen.'
World number one Aryna Sabalenka eased into the second round by defeating Canadian grand slam debutant Carson Branstine in straight sets.
The three-time major winner cruised through the opening set on Court One before securing a decisive break in game 11 of a closer second en route to a 6-1 7-5 success.
Belarusian Sabalenka, who missed last year's championship due to a shoulder injury and has never been past the semi-finals, could meet British number one Emma Raducanu in round three.
The world No.1 is off to a winning start 💪
Aryna Sabalenka defeats Carson Branstine 6-1, 7-5#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/U09xCPnjE3
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2025
'I'm super happy to be back, to be healthy and to compete at this beautiful tournament,' she said in her on-court interview.
'I was really depressed last year that I couldn't feel this atmosphere and I'm super happy with the performance. I feel like I'm in a good place.'
Australian Open champion Madison Keys avoided an upset by coming from a set down to scrape past Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
The 30-year-old American sixth seed prevailed 6-7 (4) 7-5 7-5.
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